Google, Facebook, Ebay Launch US Internet Lobby 26 July 2012

Google, Facebook, eBay launch US Internet lobby 26 July 2012

free Internet."

A Facebook spokesman declined to comment on its participation.

But a source familiar with the lobby said it "is going to be a permanent association here in Washington and will be advocating on behalf of the Internet industry and its vast community of users."

"The association will be advancing public policy solutions to strengthen America's global Internet This file photo shows a view of Washington, DC, leadership," the source told AFP, adding that the pictured in 2009. Big technology firms including Google, group was "the first trade association representing Facebook, eBay and Amazon have joined to create a the Internet and Internet companies as a whole." new lobby group aimed at promoting "an open, innovative and free Internet." The group will be Beckerman said: "I am honored to lead such an headquartered in Washington. important undertaking. The Internet is the greatest engine for economic growth and prosperity the world has ever known. The Internet must have a voice in Washington." Big technology firms including Google, Facebook, eBay and Amazon have joined to create a new He added: "The Internet isn't just Silicon Valley lobby group aimed at promoting "an open, anymore, the Internet has moved to Main Street. innovative and free Internet." Our top priority is to ensure that elected leaders in Washington understand the profound impacts of The Internet Association announced its formation the Internet and Internet companies on jobs, in a statement on its website, indicating it will be economic growth and freedom." headed by Michael Beckerman, a former congressional staffer. Beckerman was deputy staff director to the US House Energy and Commerce Committee, which The group, to be officially launched in September, oversees telecommunications and Internet policy. did not name its member companies but sources He previously was an aide to Representative Fred familiar with the group told AFP that Google, Upton. Facebook, eBay and Amazon are among them. (c) 2012 AFP "The newly formed Internet Association is comprised of some of the world's most visible Internet companies and will be headquartered in Washington," the statement said.

"Beckerman will lead the Internet Association's efforts to advance public policy solutions that strengthen and protect an open, innovative and

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APA citation: Google, Facebook, eBay launch US Internet lobby (2012, July 26) retrieved 26 September 2021 from https://phys.org/news/2012-07-google-facebook-ebay-internet-lobby.html

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